1st Crest: Out of a ducal coronet proper two arms counter-embowed vested Gules, on the hands gloves Or, each holding an ostrich feather Argent (Bentinck)

2nd Crest: A snake nowed proper (Cavendish)

Supporters: Two lions double queued, the dexter Or and the sinister sable

The Cavendish-Bentinck family has quite an extensive history. Compared to many of the ancient families discussed here, this family
seems to have kept their heads (literally) from the 1200's through the 20th
century. Contrary to many other families, there does not appear to
be any members of this family who were attainted, beheaded, or
drawn-and-quartered.

William John Cavendish-Bentinck-Scott, 5th Duke, had a strong
desire to be withdrawn from society. In order to be isolated, the 5th Duke
built many underground tunnels. One tunnel went to the kitchen,
where a chicken was always roasting and ready to be eaten. When needed,
it would be placed into a heated cart and pushed on rails to the Duke's quarters.
There are differing stories about the Duke's reaction when he accidentally
encountered any housemaids. By one account, house workers unfortunate
enough to be seen by him were immediately fired. Another account is
that they were sent to a skating rink (specifically built for his staff)
and told to get some exercise, on roller-skates provided just
for the occasion.

The 5th Duke's seclusion resulted in a wild legal battle after his death.
In 1896, a Mrs. Druce claimed to be his Duchess. She stated that the
Duke had led a double life and spent much of his time in London as Mr. T.C.
Druce (her husband). She claimed that the funeral of her husband in 1864
had been staged and that if the coffin were opened, it would be empty. As
the media of the day published the story, the fire of public imagination
was fanned. It even went so far that a son of Mr. Druce came from Australia
to accept the Portland title. In the end, the coffin was exumed and
opened only to discover that it was occupied and that Mrs. Druce had in fact
made the whole story up.

In
1990, His Grace, Victor Frederick William Cavendish-Bentinck, 9th Duke of
Portland, died without an heir and the Portland title now has the distinction
of being the most recent Dukedom to fall into extinction.